The announcement that US Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named Pope Leo XIV has triggered pleasure tinged with hope all over the world, with leaders from quite a few nations providing their congratulations.
The selection of Prevost, the primary particular person from the USA to ascend to the very best place within the Catholic Church, has additionally sparked dialogue about what his tenure might imply for the church’s management on a bunch of points, amongst them immigration and conflict.
The brand new pope has beforehand posted social media criticisms of US Vice President JD Vance.
JD Vance is fallacious: Jesus would not ask us to rank our love for others https://t.co/hDKPKuMXmu through @NCRonline
— Robert Prevost (@drprevost) February 3, 2025
The late Pope Francis, in his last hours, had met Vance, and is alleged to have chastised him on the administration’s efforts in opposition to migrants and the poor.
Pope Francis was additionally a staunch advocate for Palestinians and stored in common contact with Catholics in Gaza amid Israel’s assault. Pope Leo XIV has not stated a lot publicly about Gaza, making it unclear if he’ll emulate his predecessor.
Listed here are a couple of of the reactions that world leaders have provided thus far:
Argentina
President Javier Milei: “The forces of Heaven have clearly given their verdict. No extra phrases, Mr. Choose. Finish.”
Brazil
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: “I want to greet the American Cardinal Robert Prevost, chosen immediately to guide the future of the Catholic Church, with the identify of Leo XIV. I hope he continues the legacy of Pope Francis, whose predominant virtues have been the incessant seek for peace and social justice, the protection of the atmosphere, dialogue with all peoples and all religions, and respect for the range of human beings. We don’t want wars, hatred and intolerance. We want extra solidarity and extra humanism. We want love for our neighbor, which is the premise of Christ’s teachings. Could Pope Leo XIV bless us and encourage us in our ongoing quest to construct a greater and extra simply world.”
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro: “The brand new Pope, Leo XIV, is extra than simply an American. His fast ancestors are Latin: Spanish and French, and he lived for forty years in our Latin America, in Peru. I hope he turns into a fantastic chief for migrant peoples all over the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated immediately within the U.S. It’s time for them to prepare. Could it assist us construct the good drive of humanity that defends life and defeats the greed that has triggered the local weather disaster and the extinction of all dwelling issues. Chicago is the good working-class and progressive metropolis of the USA. I really feel hopeful.”
France
President Emmanuel Macron: “A historic second for the Catholic Church and its tens of millions of trustworthy. To Pope Leo XIV, and to all Catholics in France and all over the world, I prolong a message of fraternity. On this Could eighth, might this new hold forth be certainly one of peace and hope.”
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban: “We’ve a pope! There may be hope!”
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: “I prolong my most honest needs to Pope Leo XIV for the start of his hold forth.
In a time marked by battle and unrest, his phrases from the Loggia delle Benedizioni are a strong name for peace, brotherhood and duty. A religious legacy that follows the trail traced by Pope Francis, and that Italy seems at with respect and hope.”
Lebanon
President Joseph Aoun: “We pray to God to grant him well being, well-being, and knowledge to guide the Church throughout this necessary section of its historical past.”
Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum: “We congratulate His Holiness Leo XIV, elected by the School of Cardinals as Head of Vatican Metropolis State and religious chief of the Catholic Church. I reaffirm our humanist convergence for world peace and prosperity.”
Russia
President Vladimir Putin: “Please settle for my heartfelt congratulations in your election as Pope. I’m assured that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will proceed to develop on the premise of the Christian values that unite us. I want you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the excessive mission entrusted to you, in addition to good well being and well-being.”
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a profound second for the Catholic Church in addition to the worldwide neighborhood who adopted this solemn occasion with hopeful anticipation. Could the ceremonial white smoke that signalled the consensus of the Conclave prevail over the darkish plumes of navy bombardments affecting varied areas of the world immediately. Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on peace is a name that resonates with most of humanity and is one which honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis. South Africa needs Pope Leo XIV a blessed and transformative papacy that may strengthen religion, unity and social solidarity on the planet.”
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: “Congratulations to the entire Catholic Church on the election of the brand new Pope Leo XIV. Could his hold forth contribute to strengthening dialogue and the protection of human rights in a world in want of hope and unity.”
Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “On this decisive second for our nation, we hope for additional ethical and religious help from the Vatican for Ukraine’s efforts aimed toward restoring justice and attaining an enduring peace.”
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a deeply profound second of pleasure for Catholics in the UK and round globally, and begins a brand new chapter for the management of the church and on the planet. Pope Leo is the primary American Pope. This can be a momentous second. As Pope Francis’ papacy confirmed, the Holy See has a particular function to play in bringing individuals and nations collectively to handle the most important problems with our time; particularly on local weather change, assuaging poverty and selling peace and justice internationally.”
United States
President Donald Trump: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was simply named Pope. It’s such an honor to comprehend that he’s the primary American Pope. What pleasure, and what a Nice Honor for our Nation. I stay up for assembly Pope Leo XIV. It is going to be a really significant second!”
Vice President JD Vance: “Congratulations to Leo XIV, the primary American Pope, on his election! I’m positive tens of millions of American Catholics and different Christians will pray for his profitable work main the Church. Could God bless him!”
Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, US, Prevost’s hometown: “All the things dope, together with the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the primary American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you again house quickly.”
